The Incredible Machine 2

The Incredible Machine 2 takes the wonderfully chaotic formula of its predecessor and gives puzzle fans an even larger box of toys to play with. The basic idea remains beautifully simple: arrange assorted objects so that a particular goal is achieved, then sit back and hope physics does its job. Of course, physics has other plans. Cats, balls, ropes, rockets, fans, explosives, magnets, and assorted mechanical nonsense can be combined into elaborate contraptions that are either brilliant or spectacularly useless. The game rewards curiosity and lateral thinking rather than twitch reflexes, and there is plenty of room for experimentation. A successful solution feels like a small engineering triumph; an unsuccessful one can be even funnier. With its cheerful presentation and playful physics, this sequel remains one of those rare puzzle games where failing repeatedly can be more entertaining than succeeding.